Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:30

What does Philippians 2:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:30 means

Epaphroditus nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to supply what was lacking in the Philippians’ service to Paul. This does not criticize the church; it acknowledges that distance limited what they could do, and Epaphroditus bridged that gap at great personal cost. Paul wants them to understand the depth of his sacrifice and why such men deserve honor. The verse shines a spotlight on courageous, quiet faithfulness—travel, danger, illness, and perseverance—for the sake of Christ and His servants. It calls the church to value and support those who hazard themselves to meet real needs in gospel partnership.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because for the work of Christ he was near to death, putting his life in danger to make your care for me complete.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because on account of the work of the Christ he drew near to death, having hazarded the life that he might fill up your deficiency of service unto me.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Because for the work of Christ he came to the point of death: delivering his life, that he might fulfil that which on your part was wanting towards my service.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

because for the sake of the work he drew near even to death, venturing his life that he might fill up what lacked in your ministration toward me.

Context

Paul ends by explaining why Epaphroditus should be honored (v. 29): he risked his life to complete the Philippians’ ministry to Paul (v. 30). This capstone returns to the chapter’s themes of humble service, others’ interests, and Christlike self-giving, now embodied in a brother from their own congregation. With examples from Christ Himself (vv. 5–11), from Paul (vv. 17–18), from Timothy (vv. 19–22), and from Epaphroditus (vv. 25–30), the chapter closes with a tapestry of teaching and lived models to guide the church into unity and joy.

v.29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honor:

v.30This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 1:19

    For I know that this shall turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

  • Matthew 25:36

    naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

  • Philippians 2:17

    Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all:

  • 2 Corinthians 12:15

    And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?

  • 1 Corinthians 16:10

    Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:

  • 1 Corinthians 16:17

    And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.

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